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Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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Resurrection Prophecies  /  Lecture 1: All in Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies.  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
In Acts 2 Peter insists Jesus’ crucifixion happened by “the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God,” while still calling the human agents “lawless”; how should this shape the way we talk about God’s sovereignty without using it to soften human guilt—or to accuse God of wrongdoing?
Another way to ask: In Acts 2 Peter says Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan, but he still calls the people who did it “lawless.” How can we talk about God’s sovereignty without excusing human guilt or blaming God for evil?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, Peter holds two truths together: God’s plan was at work in Jesus’ death, yet the people who carried it out are still responsible and called “lawless,” so sovereignty doesn’t cancel guilt and guilt doesn’t make God evil.

Support from Transcript:

  • Peter says Jesus was “delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.”
  • In the same breath he accuses the perpetrators: “You have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death.”
  • Chuck frames Peter’s sermon as proclaiming “Jesus raised from the dead in fulfillment of the prophecies,” showing divine purpose tied to prophecy fulfillment.
  • The resurrection is God’s vindicating action: “whom God raised up…because it was not possible that he should be held by it.”
  • The sermon ends with witness and exaltation language: “This Jesus God has raised up of which we are all witnesses…exalted at the right hand of God.”
Discussion Follow-ups How can we speak of God’s “foreknowledge” and “purpose” with the same balance Peter uses—without making sinners less guilty or making God the author of lawlessness?

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